Photoproteins Tapping Solar Energy to Power Sensors

Abstract

Energy self-sufficiency is an inspirational design feature of biological systems that fulfill sensory functions. Plants such as ‘touch-me-not’ (Mimosa pudica) and ‘Venus flytrap’ (Dionaea muscipula) not only sustain life by photosynthesis but also execute specialized sensory responses to touch. Photosynthesis enables these organisms to sustainably harvest and expend energy, powering their sensory abilities. Photosynthesis therefore provides a promising model for self-powered sensory devices such as electronic skins (e-skins). While the natural sensory abilities of human skin have been emulated in man-made materials for advanced prosthetics and soft-robotics, most reported e-skins do not incorporate phototransduction and photosensory functions that could extend the sensory abilities of human skin. This chapter throws light on a proof-of-concept bioelectronic device integrated with natural photosynthetic pigment-proteins that not only shows an ability to sense touch stimuli but also to sense low-intensity UV radiation and generate an electrical power. The scalability of this photoprotein-based sensing device is demonstrated through the fabrication of flexible, multi-pixel bioelectronic sensors capable of touch registration and tracking. The polysensory abilities, energy self-sufficiency and additional nanopower generation exhibited by this bioelectronic material make it particularly promising for applications such as smart e-skins and wearable sensors, where the photo-generated power can enable remote data transmission.